A Facelift (Rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure designed to smooth and firm the skin of the face, providing a fresh, youthful appearance.  Throughout one’s life, the sun’s radiation, stress, gravity, and other factors cause the skin to sag and become lax.  Areas of the face and neck, in particular around the jaw line, are especially prone to the aging process.  Though these changes are gradual, wrinkles and other signs of aging can make individuals “look older” than they feel.

Surgery for a facelift involves the removal of excess skin and lifting of deeper facial structures. Fat transfer is an effective tool to add fullness to the face.  A facelift is often performed in combination with other facial cosmetic procedures and can be performed any time signs of aging begin to appear.  However, patients are generally in their forties or older when they elect to undergo this procedure.

Reasons for Considering a Facelift:

• Sagging skin, muscles, and fat in the face and neck.
• Excess skin and fat of the neck.
• Sagging jaw line.
• Deep lines along the nose, mouth, and chin.

General Procedure

The standard procedure for a facelift commonly involves making small incisions just inside the hairline, following the contour in front of the ear, and continuing under the earlobe to the backside of the ear and the lower scalp.  The skin is separated from the underlying tissue.  The deeper layer is lifted and tightened.  The excess skin is removed.  The muscles of the central neck are tightened and suspended and the excess skin is removed with the face lift.  resorbable plates may be used to support the midface.  Fat may be transferred to the cheeks and deep lines to restore fullness to the face.  The wounds are approximated with stitches.  A facelift may be combined with other procedures to achieve the most aesthetic result.  Patients can discuss with their physician which procedures are best suited for them during a consultation with Dr. Stiles. 

Recovery Process

Immediately after surgery, the face is fitted with bandages and a support garment,  to decrease the recovery time and to reduce swelling.  Patients are monitored in the hospital overnight.  Generally, post-operative instructions call for rest and limited activity.  Sleeping in the upright position helps to reduce facial swelling.  Post-operative pain is typically effectively treated with oral medication. While complications may occur, patients can minimize potential problems by carefully following the directions given after the procedure.